The Immortal IPA - Elysian Brewing Company

biegaman

Ontario (Canada)

3.78/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Elysian The Immortal is a fairly bright and clear IPA, the extent to which tiny, almost indiscernible particles of yeast become visible, floating in suspension as if in jello. This, however, takes little away from the beer's aesthetics. Its head, though not all that put-together, manages to paste flyspecks of lacing throughout the glass.

Unlike what I've come to expect from the Northwest, this is neither very expressive nor very fruity. It lacks the juicy, bright, mouth-watering citrus notes of other West Coast IPAs (though some mandarin orange and grapefruit is surely detected). More so, however, it is a bready, biscuity maltiness that the nose picks up on.

The taste is profuse with candied lemon and orange rinds. There are also ripe flavours of pineapple and mango. All this fruit, however, is balanced by a great deal of biscuity, toasty, almost butterscotch-like maltiness. It is simultaneously sweet and citrusy, and rather tasty.

For those who can't stomach the intense, gum-splitting acidity of other American IPAs, this beer offers a more balanced, almost buttercream-like mouthfeel that packs little bitterness and even less alcohol. If drinking casually with friends, this has a good chance at being the crowd-pleaser.

Elysian The Immortal definitely lacks the bright-eyed and bitter hoppiness of its West Coast counterparts, but it makes an enjoyably drinkable IPA in its own right. In another era it might have been exciting, but given all the offerings in today's market it's one that's understandably easy to pass over (especially given this brewery's own abundance of better choices).

Serving type: bottle

04-30-2013 02:30:16 | More by biegaman

JohnnyBarman

Ontario (Canada)

3.5/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Single bottle from the LCBO - picked up a sixpack of this.

Poured into a nonic. Light amber-honey colour, nice billowing head, good lacing on this. Unfortunately, there's lots of pulpy floaters in this one. I'm used to this, but it's still unappealing.

Nose is malty, with light west coast hoppage and caramel.

Decent IPA that I'd really like to try fresh, because I think the trip was not overly kind (or the time was). There's some nice tropical fruit and tasty cracker malts, but it feels a bit old, and more like an APA.

Mild carbonation, a bit slick.

I'll hold off on getting this one again until I can get it fresh, because it's pretty expensive in Ontario and there are other IPAs I'd prefer to pick up instead.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2013 21:16:41 | More by JohnnyBarman

tbeckett

Ontario (Canada)

3.15/5  rDev -17.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3

A - Two finger creamy off white head. Chunks floating in a golden and bright body. Mild carbonation. Spotty lace and a finger of retention.

S - Citrus. Orange, grapefruit. Mild.

T - Light mango and citrus. Crackery. Gentle hop character.

M - Mild carbonation, medium body, medium bitterness.

O/D - Bottle might be a bit old. Pretty tame for the style. I expect that this shouldn't have chunks in it either.

Serving type: bottle

04-24-2013 00:33:37 | More by tbeckett

JBetz

Washington

3.93/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

S - Nice malty notes with a floral, slightly citrusy overtone.
T - A unassuming malt base, thicker than some IPAs, bitter end not too strong, definitely lets the NW hops shine with a aromatic hop side to the balance. Dry. Flavors are blended well but this also keeps it from standing out. .
Finish - Bitter tastes fades and floral, aromatic flavors are there to savor.
M - Good body. Fine, clean carbonation that isn't too bright and gentle on the mouth.
O - Very drinkable. More enjoyable than IPAs that seem to shout out their hoppy flavors to loudly. Loved the mouthfeel and felt like I could go right into having another. All of the flavors meld well on this one with a slight lean toward a NW hop character coming out front.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2013 05:08:29 | More by JBetz

ChugMan

Washington

3.54/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Food Pairing - Tacos: cheddar cheese, spicy tomatoes, rice, avacado, black beans in flour tortilla. Nice for the most part, the beer cut right through the spice and salt with ease. Probably would have tasted better overall if I'd not used canned tomatoes.

A - Hazy yellow/gold, some debris floating in it. I don't think there was sediment, is my glass not clean? Frothy, uneven head left some incredible, sea-foam-esque lacing. Looked cool.
S - Light citrus/ tropical aromas. Smells thick and bold.
T - Bitterness punches right up front and continues throughout, one long blast. Impressive, but seems unwieldy, unbalanced. Fruity, sweet, finishes light with some citrus rind in the back of the mouth. Faint nose of sweetroll, with doughy, caramely notes.
M - Light and refreshing. Clean, excepting the hops which are a little too big and dull for my tastes.
O - Bit of a tough call, but ultimately I need to call this one just shy of remarkable. Doesn't mean it's not a solid IPA, it is! Just not quite enough here to merit special regard.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2013 06:24:44 | More by ChugMan

Murrhey

Montana

3.3/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

Poured from a standard pressure-cap bottle into a shaker pint glass in high elevation Libby, Mont. Reviewed live. No best-by date. A little wary, actually. Paired with sage derby cheese.

A- One-finger white head, moderate retention. Honey color with high clarity for the body. Not tremendously attractive.

S- Floral, honeyed. Spruce, some bitterness balanced against some sweet scents.

T- Piney, surprisingly not hop-forward. Malty and sweet with honey. Spruce is still there though. Pairs nicely with this cheese.

M- Full bodied, dry and tight. It's fair.

O- Not the best IPA, but not bad from Elysian, a company I tend not to enjoy much.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2013 05:01:56 | More by Murrhey

StonedTrippin

Colorado

4.1/5  rDev +7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

one of the better straight up ipas ive had in awhile now. this one pours a lighter pale golden color, mostly clear, with a big doughy white head. the nose is pleasantly fruity, tangerine and some springtime flowers mix with a nice juicy bitter hop and rather delicate malt bill. flavor too features the hop unimpeded by heavy grain. not oily or resinous, but light and fruity and crisp, while equally fresh. the beer really pops in the mouth, like biting into a cold mandarin orange. its well carbonated and active in the mouth. there is so much flavor in this beer its incredible. not a big brutal bitter beer, but still a hop bomb, designed to show the other side of hops, a lighter fruity side that may be more approachable to newcomers to the style. I loved the flavor and feel of this, and have been in need of a new daily drinking ipa, and I think I may well have found it here with the immortal. its balanced off just right, but retains its uniqueness in the crowded ipa world.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2013 18:42:45 | More by StonedTrippin

atr2605

New York

4.19/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A-pours a golden orange color with a white sudsy head with excellent retention and leaves nice lacing
S-orange and tropical fruit
T-orange and tropical fruit up front, with pine and resin bitterness creating the backbone and subtle malt presence proving some sweetness
M-medium-light bodied
O-A nice, light and fruity IPA that is easy drinking.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2013 01:25:48 | More by atr2605

MDDMD

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A-amber color with an off-white head and decent lacing

S-caramel malt, citrus, floral, light pine

T-sweet malt, grapefruit, pine, hints of tropical fruit and floral, moderately bitter finish

F-medium body with moderate carbonation, smooth

O-a solid IPA a little on the malt ire and sweet side than I prefer, but very well-balanced

Serving type: on-tap

01-22-2013 02:48:18 | More by MDDMD

stakem

Pennsylvania

3.33/5  rDev -13.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25

Thanks Eric for sharing this bomber with me. Poured into a tulip, the brew appears a hazy light copper color with a frothy white head. A bit of webby lace sticks to the glass and a swirl revives a cap that displays some solid retention.

The aroma is herbal and rindy with hop character. Some suggestions of cheese quality mingle with hints of fruit. A little mineral filled towards the back as it opens up. Not bad smelling by any stretch but also not that great either.

The flavor is herbal and zesty with some rindy bitterness of hops and some cheese notes mingled with minerals and sulfuric components. There is lots of bitterness here from the hops and while its not over-done for the style, the flavors dont exactly combine to make anythibg terribly enjoyable either.

This is a medium bodied brew with a modest amount of carbonation. It is an ok offering that I appreciate getting the chance to try. Unless this was offered to me uber fresh, I dont think i would bother having it again.

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2013 20:56:07 | More by stakem

SeamusDoyle

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a hazy golden-orange color with a finger of frothy white head. Fades down at a normal pace leaving behind some lacing. Aroma is a mix of grapefruit and citrus hops with some sweet caramel malts. Starts off with a mix of grapefruit and citrus hops with some bitterness and sweet caramel malts. Through the middle, some light pine hops come through with some more bitterness and some biscuit malts. The finish is a mix of grapefruit and light pine hops, bitterness, and some sweet caramel and bready malts. Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Feels smooth with dry and bitter finish. Very drinkable IPA with a nice hop profile and bitterness and great balance.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 18:28:08 | More by SeamusDoyle

diddly

New York

4.63/5  rDev +20.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a bottle

Pours a hazy yellow with a white head, leaving some lacing on the glass as it goes down.

Smells of hops, but not overpowering - seems to have a bit of that cat urine aroma going on, which is certainly not a bad thing in this type. Also a bit of a grassy smell.

Taste is great - tastes like the hops are near the fresh side, which I wasn't expecting, but is always a pleasant surprise. Nice maltiness to balance the beer - not overly bitter at all.

Mouthfeel is pretty well balanced, but a bit towards the bitter side - obviously it's an IPA, so again, not really a negative.

Overall, a very good IPA, with a changing character as it warms up - will definitely look for again.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2012 06:12:27 | More by diddly

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

3.93/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This poured out as a really nice hazy golden yellow color with a nice soapy white head on top. The lacing is very sticky which looks awesome on the glass. The retention was decent also. The smell of the beer had some malt and a good amount of hop aromas. The taste had a very nice malt backbone with a pleasant hop flavor in there too. The mouthfeel of the beer had a good amount of body to it as well as a solid carbonation and a dry finish. Overall I really enjoyed this IPA. I would drink this one again.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2012 22:24:29 | More by Knapp85

hopsolutely

Ontario (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle pours a hazy amber with sufficient off-white head and residual lacing. Malt-forward aroma may be an indication of bottle age? Although purchased this week, can't find a date indication on the bottle. Flavour is well balanced, with caramelized malt sweetness transitioning into tropical fruit and hop bitterness. The impressively lingering bitter finish is a pleasant surprise. Definitely a beer and a brewery worth trying!!

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2012 01:29:34 | More by hopsolutely

khooke

4.18/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A:orange amber. soapy, thin head - after pouring to pint glass not much head evident at all. A few sudsy parts against edge of glass. Soapy looking lacing.

S:pine, fresh woodshavings, grapefruit

T: first, noticeable hoppy resin flavor, quickly subsides, to sweeter pleasant aftertaste with apricot notes, some bready yeast flavors

M: sharpness initially subsides, some bitter tingling left on tongue

Overall:a nicely balanced American IPA - the hops are upfront and prominent, but not agressive or overpowering. The initial bitterness giving way to sweetness is pleasant. Definitely one to buy again.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2012 05:43:48 | More by khooke

Kastler

Washington

4.08/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had a 1pint, 6 oz. which I believe is a 22 oz.

Appearance is a golden color.

Smell is somewhat sweet and fresh. It has an English hop aroma.

I admire the taste which consists of a nutty, wooden feel. Very easy to drink for me since I enjoy IPA's to their full extent.

The feel is very smooth.

Overall, I really like this beer. If you are a fan of IPA's, you definitely need to try this one. I plan on buying a growler the next chance I get.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2012 04:00:10 | More by Kastler

AgentMunky

Alabama

4.15/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from 22 ounce bottle into an Allagash cervoise glass.

A: Three fingers of tight, off-white head. Clear gold. Heavy lacing.

S: Delicious hops. Pine, fruit, citrus, and a touch of caramel malt.

T: A great IPA! The hops are lightly vegetal, but also (and excellently) fruity. The endtaste is bitter and the aftertaste is tropically hoppy. A solid malt base provides welcome balance.

M: Solid.

O: I really, really enjoyed this. Highly recommended. Not super interesting, but a definitely solid IPA. Would have again.

Serving type: bottle

10-16-2012 07:08:37 | More by AgentMunky

IronLover

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev -6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Copper orange with yellow hues and hazy. Poured with a huge frothy white foam that reduced to a wispy cap and left tons of sticky lacings on the glass. Delicate citrus and floral hop aromas with ligh sweet caramel aromas beneath. Delicate lager-like feel with dense, ri ch carbonation. Citrus and floral hop flavor up front with resinous pine hop flavors from the middle to the end. Sweet caramel malt flavor backbone. Very balanced with delicate feel and flavors.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2012 19:30:30 | More by IronLover

andrenaline

Ontario (Canada)

4/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Another treat courtesy of my BA pal joemcgrath27.

A - Pours a slightly hazy golden copper colour, finger of head with solid retention and some nice sheeting lacing.

S - Scent is dominated by sweet pineapple and sugary caramel, subtle citrus, malted milk, golden grahams and hints of vanilla.

T - The sugary caramel and malted milk is nicely balanced with the fruity hop notes. Pineapple and sweet citrus are nicely balanced among burnt sugar caramels. A touch of sour citrus bitterness lingers on the finish.

M - Medium bodied, smooth and a touch of dryness.

O - Overall, this is a perfectly balanced IPA with a solid dose of hops and a nice sugary caramel malt backbone. Incredibly drinkable and super tasty. Definitely a tasty treat for any fan of the style.

Serving type: bottle

10-13-2012 01:55:42 | More by andrenaline

rangerred

Tennessee

3.35/5  rDev -12.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle into a pint glass.

Pours a slightly hazy yellowish-gold with a thin half finger head. So-so head retention and lacing.

Aroma of of overripe citrus, pine, and faint flowers. Some caramel and hay also comes through.

Flavor has grapefruit and pineapple up front. A decent amount of caramel with a little biscuit underneath. Sweetness pervades throughout. Bitterness is moderated and really takes hold midway through leading to a lasting film on the back of the throat. Alcohol is apparent, even at such a low strength. Mouthfeel is slick and sticky.

Overall, I'm not really a fan of this beer. It feels a lot stronger than 6.2% and the sweetness really limits drinkability. Not sure of the age on my bottle but it all seems like kind of a muddled mess.

Serving type: bottle

10-12-2012 00:58:40 | More by rangerred

jlindros

Massachusetts

3.55/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to juliusseizure (Reddit) for this one.

Pours a light small fizzy head covering, just a bit of lacing, over hazy orange colored beer.

Nose starts with sweeter malts, candy malts, caramel, toffee, etc, and earthy hops, light citrus candied orange peel like, a light floral flowery hop.

Taste starts similarly, some sweet malts, caramel and toffee, light reddish malts, fairly bitter as light earthy and citrus hops, candied orange peel, little flowery hop, slight tingle. chewy malt. Finish is a bit drier, fairly bitter lingering with little citrus, little sticky.

Mouth is med to a bit heavier bodied, decent carb.

Overall OK, but not great, more east coast style, or not too fresh, but this hasn't been in my fridge long, so not sure which, but not a great IPA either way. It's not bad, just nothing special and not quite my IPA style anymore.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2012 23:57:18 | More by jlindros

SolipsismalCat

Pennsylvania

3.8/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a pint glass.

A: Hazy golden yellow with a two-finger, creamy, off-white head that lasted several minutes. Nice lacing.

S: Pineapple, citrus, and caramel malt. Nice.

T: Moderate sweetness and solid bitterness. Hops and citrus. Malt takes a backseat.

M: Medium bodied with fizzy carbonation. Smooth and slightly dry.

O: Pretty good IPA. The taste was a bit lacking.

Serving type: bottle

09-22-2012 00:52:35 | More by SolipsismalCat

TheMultiYeast

Pennsylvania

3.78/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours slightly hazy golden color with a small head and decent lacing.

Lots of pine in the nose and ripe fruit under that..melons in paricular..interesting. Light addition of juicy citrus.

Taste has more of that unique ripe melon taste..pears, floral hop flavors, more grain flavors as it warms, easy riding lingering bitterness. Stabbing carbonation, goes down pretty easy. Enjoyable IPA.

Unique west coast IPA

Serving type: on-tap

09-20-2012 14:35:36 | More by TheMultiYeast

ngeunit1

California

4.23/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours a hazy golden-orange color with a finger of frothy white head. Fades down at a normal pace leaving behind some lacing.

S - Aroma is a mix of grapefruit and citrus hops with some sweet caramel malts and some biscuit.

T - Starts off with a mix of grapefruit and citrus hops with some bitterness and sweet caramel malts. Through the middle, some light pine hops come through with some more bitterness and some biscuit malts. The finish is a mix of grapefruit and light pine hops, bitterness, and some sweet caramel and bready malts.

M - Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Feels smooth with dry and bitter finish.

D - Very drinkable. Good IPA with a nice hop profile and bitterness and great balance.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2012 05:18:52 | More by ngeunit1

WastingFreetime

Wisconsin

3.43/5  rDev -10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Reviewed from notes.

Pours out a very slightly hazed orange-amber color with two fingers of cream-colored head that lasts for about two minutes but leaves behind lovely curtains of lacing. Medium body and carbonation levels, partially creamy texture.

Smells of a fairly simple blend of pine resin, caramel / biscuit, and a touch of orange peel. Tastes of the same elements but also has a fair amount of earthy and green tea flavor in the middle of the sip. Not a bad IPA, but not exceptional either.

Serving type: bottle

09-15-2012 19:38:16 | More by WastingFreetime